Why are there no bathrooms in castles?
Why are there no bathrooms in castles? In the medieval period luxury castles were built with indoor toilets known as 'garderobes', and the waste dropped into a pit below. It was the job of the 'Gongfarmer' to remove it – one of the smelliest jobs in history?
Why do castles have teeth?
These upright projections resemble teeth, bared at invaders to prevent their attempted entries and at allies to show the owner's strength.
What was the hygiene in medieval castles?
The bathing itself consisted of washing the body with sweet smelling oils, or if they could afford it, tallow soap. If they had lots of money, or say, were a Lord or Lady in a castle, they'd 'top and tail' at least twice a day.
Why did castles not have toilets?
The toilets of a castle were usually built into the walls so that they projected out on corbels and any waste fell below and into the castle moat. Even better, waste went directly into a river as is the case of the latrines of one of the large stone halls at Chepstow Castle in Wales, built from the 11th century CE.
How did people use the bathroom in castles?
Medieval castles in Europe were fitted with private toilets known as 'garderobes' (example pictured above), typically featuring stone seats above tall holes draining into moats. Communal latrines with many seats were installed in medieval British abbeys.
Why were castles uncomfortable living in?
Living in a medieval castle was often uncomfortable and even hazardous, particularly for those who were not part of the nobility or royalty. For example, despite their grandeur and imposing appearance, many castles lacked basic amenities like running water, central heating, and proper ventilation.
Did medieval castles have toilet paper?
In the Middle Ages, people would make use of sticks, moss and other plants. Archaeological findings from cesspits of monasteries in Ireland and Norway included small pieces of cloth that were used like toilet paper.